Are you renting a room, studio or apartment in Leiden and uncertain about the contract or rent? Arslan Advocaten assists clients from Leiden through its office in The Hague. We assess the actual accommodation, start date and documents, including student-related terms and shared-house accounts.
070 450 03 00 · Ask for a tenancy assessment
A room or a self-contained dwelling
An advertisement calling the space a studio does not settle its legal classification. Identify private and shared kitchen, toilet and washing facilities. Check whether each occupier has a room contract or the group signs for the whole property. That distinction matters for the points assessment, a departing housemate, rent arrears and the deposit.
Assess the rent on the right basis
Separate basic rent, service-charge advances and other payments. A room uses the room-rental points system rather than the system for independent homes. Keep the floor measurements, photographs and facilities supporting the calculation. Contract date and procedural route determine what may be adjusted and from when. An online estimate alone does not amend your rent.
Temporary contracts and student-related conditions
New residential tenancies generally start on an indefinite basis from 1 July 2024, with statutory exceptions. A target-group condition in student housing is not automatically the same as a short fixed-term contract. Keep the student-status documents, supplementary conditions and notices. Before agreeing to a key-return date, check how the agreement can legally end.
Shared bills, repairs and the final deposit
Check annual service-charge periods, advances, actual costs, meter readings and allocation between residents. Report defects in writing, provide access and preserve the response. For departure, compare the beginning and end condition and request an itemised deduction account. A rent-team enquiry can support the file but does not itself suspend a court deadline.
Documents for the first assessment
- The full tenancy agreement and amendments
- The landlord’s latest letter, email or summons
- Payment records, service-charge statements and the deposit proof
- Inspection reports and dated photographs
- A short timeline, your desired outcome and the next deadline
How your case is handled
We first identify the tenancy, parties, evidence and urgency. We then discuss whether a targeted letter, negotiation, the Rent Tribunal or court proceedings fits the problem. An application to a municipality and a private claim can require separate action. We agree the scope before further work and explain which documents are still needed. Clients from Leiden are assisted through our Den Haag office; this page describes our service area, not an additional office in Leiden.
Costs and legal aid
The first consultation is free and without obligation. We assess whether subsidised legal aid (toevoeging) or legal expenses insurance is available. Legal aid can leave a personal contribution and other costs. Otherwise we agree private fees in writing. For a deposit recovery claim, a separate fixed stage schedule applies where accepted; court fees and bailiff costs are explained before the relevant step. A suitable collection claim can also be assessed for separately agreed no cure no pay terms.
Fixed deposit recovery fees, including VAT
Questions before contacting us
Do you have an office in Leiden?
We assist clients from Leiden through Den Haag. Ask about the practical arrangements for discussing documents before travelling.
Can I contact you before the file is complete?
Yes. Send the agreement and the urgent letter first, particularly if a hearing or eviction date has been mentioned. Further documents can follow.
Does contacting a lawyer stop a deadline?
No. State the deadline immediately. Contact alone does not suspend a notice period or court deadline.
Ask for a tenancy assessment
Ask for a tenancy assessment · More tenancy information
Legal sources
- Rechtspraak: huurgeschil (NL)
- Huurcommissie (NL)